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Mental Health

Causes of Depression

What causes depression?

Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder. Some types of depression run in families, indicating that a biological vulnerability can be inherited. However, additional factors, possibly a stressful environment, are also involved.

What genetic factors are often associated with depression?

Major depression has been seen to occur, generation after generation, in some families. However, it can also occur in people whose family has no history of depression. Whether genetically-based or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with an imbalance (or having too little or too much) of certain neuro-chemicals in the body.

What psychological factors are often associated with depression?

Psychological makeup also plays a role in vulnerability to depression. People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or who are readily overwhelmed by stress are more prone to depression than others.

What specific events are often associated with depression?

Any significant, unwelcome change in life pattern may trigger depression or a depressive episode. For example:


This page was last updated on: February 5, 2008.

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